Michael Martin "Nick" Basca (December 4, 1917 – November 11, 1944) was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League (NFL). He played one season for the Philadelphia Eagles (1941) after attending Villanova University.
| Date of birth | December 4, 1917 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Date of death | November 11, 1944 (aged 26) |
| Place of death | Obreck, German-occupied France |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Halfback |
| US college | Villanova |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1941 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
| Career stats | |
| |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service |  U.S. Army |
| Years of service | 1941–1944 |
| Rank |  Corporal |
| Unit |  4th Armored Division |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
Biography
editBasca and his brothers enlisted for World War II military service in the United States Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor.[1][2] In 1942, he was a member of Robert Neyland's All-Army football team that played against NFL teams in fundraising games.[3]
Assigned as a tank commander, he served in the 4th Armored Division in Europe and participated in the Normandy landings, where he landed on Utah Beach. The 4th helped lead the Third Army through Europe.
Death and legacy
editOn November 11, 1944, Basca was killed instantly when his tank was struck by a German 88-millimeter anti-tank round after four months in combat.[2][4]
A year after his death, the Eagles honored Basca prior to their game against the New York Giants.[5]
His body was returned to Pennsylvania in 1948 and arrived nine days after the Eagles won the 1948 NFL Championship Game.[2] He is currently honored in the Football's Wartime Heroes display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
References
edit- ^ Anton, Todd; Nowlin, Bill (November 15, 2013). When Football Went to War. Triumph Books. pp. 41–42. ISBN 978-1600788451.
- ^ a b c Fitzpatrick, Frank (November 10, 2014). "Veterans Day tribute to former Eagle Nick Basca, who died in WWII". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved June 28, 2021.
- ^ "Neyland Picks Four Ex-Pros". Deseret News. AP. August 1, 1942. Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Nick Basca Killed in france Nov. 11". The Philadelphia Inquirer. December 1, 1944. Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Honor Nick Basca In Eagle-Giant Tilt". The Capital Times. AP. November 9, 1945. Retrieved June 28, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.